To Make an Appointment with
 Dr. Marlene Shiple

To contact Marlene Shiple, Ph.D., for an appointment call:

(602) 266 - 6662     

One E. Camelback Road
 Suite #550
(S.E. corner of Camelback Rd.
  & Central  Ave.)
          Phoenix, AZ 85012        

     At Counselors Associated, Inc., you will partake of a caring, confidential atmosphere which takes you beyond positive thinking techniques and conventional therapy processes into a private, one-on-one counseling experience designed specifically to meet your personal, individual needs.  

 SIGNS THAT YOU
 MAY NEED  PSYCHOTHERAPY

1.  You have been depressed, anxious, etc. for 6 weeks solid and are now getting more depressed, more anxious, etc.

2.      You have done everything you know to do and you are still experiencing serious stress.

3.      What you are experiencing prevents you from feeling happy and joyful.

4.  Your sexual patterns change; you lack interest in, or desire for, sex; you are distracted and do not derive sexual satisfaction.

5.  Your partner is so upset with your mutual relationship that s/he suggests it.

6.  Your trusted partner or a trusted good friend -- who has been observing the severity of your distress -- suggests it.

7.  You and your partner have a recurring pattern of abuse and you -- if you are the one being abused -- to not leave; or -- if you are the one initiating the abuse -- if you do not (know how to) stop.

8.  You are in an abusive relationship with yourself and do not (know how to) stop.

9.  When you feel that, if something does not change � and change soon � you will "go crazy."

10. When you are so "stuck" that you cannot even begin to think of the first step to take to free yourself.

11.   When you feel you do not have the strength to do on your own what you need to do to get better.  

12. When you are a threat to your own well-being or that of another. 

   Once you have decided that psychotherapy would benefit you, it is time to research a therapist. You are looking for a "fit" �a connection � between you and the therapist whom you select.
   If you know someone who is seeing, or has seen, a therapist and was pleased with the results and the assistance provided, you can ask him/her for a referral. If this is not available to you � or not a direction you wish to pursue � others avenues exist.

1.      In the Yellow Pages, find the heading that addresses the type of treatment you desire � e.g., "stress management" to learn to coping skills to deal with stress; "hypnotherapy" to change destructive habits; "pain management" for handling pain-complex distress.

2.      Look at the credentials of the psychotherapist

• Where did s/he receive her/his schooling?

• What degree(s) has s/he earned?

• In what organizations does s/he hold membership?

• What certifications and/or licenses does s/he hold?

• How many years has s/he been in practice?

    If necessary, call to get this information. 

3.      Consider random factors, variable among different therapists � e.g., location, convenience of appointments scheduling, cost.  

4.  Taking into account #1 through #3 (above), make a list of 3-5 possible treatment professionals.

5.      Talk with each psychotherapist. Ask about his/her treatment style. For example, does he/she mostly listen while you talk? Does he/she offer practical suggestions for change? Is homework given?

     Now, for THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of your selection process, consider the following:

a.      How do these responses match what you think would work best for you?

b.      Pay attention to your intuition while talking with the therapist

•  How does this therapist sound and feel to you?

• Do you sense that s/he would understand you and your circumstances?

• Do you sense that s/he would be able to help you?

• Do you feel that you would listen to and follow the guidance s/he gives?  

    Listen to your "gut feeling" and make an appointment with the psychotherapist whom you feel most strongly could assist you.

To contact Marlene Shiple, Ph.D., for an appointment call:

(602) 266 - 6662